The body naturally produces antibodies to fight off infection. But, it is possible that your body does not be equipped to detect a new (or novel) virus such as SARS-CoV-2 the COVID-19 virus. Monoclonal antibody, or mAbs, are created in a lab in order to combat specific infections (in this case, it’s SARS-CoV-2) and are administered directly to the patient through an infusion. Therefore, the mAb treatment could be beneficial if you’re an increased risk of experiencing serious illness or require an inpatient stay.
The COVID-19 mAb treatment differs from COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine stimulates your body’s immune system, however it may take several weeks to produce enough antibodies against viruses. If you are suffering from the virus the mAb treatment provides you the body’s antibodies that it requires to defend itself. The mAb treatment doesn’t substitute for the immunity that comes from vaccination however it could help in the event that you are at risk of developing COVID-19.
What Can I Expect From Monoclonal Antibody Therapy?
The mAb treatment is typically provided in an infusion facility because the treatment is delivered via a vein within the body (IV infusion) or via shots (injection) or injections (series of shots). Based on the treatment you are receiving, the entire procedure takes between 1-3 hours.
The medical professionals will conduct a health exam and then begin an IV, which will deliver the abs to your body within less than an hour. It is less time-consuming when the treatment for mAb is given to you in several shots.
The medical team will ask you to remain in the center for another half hour to make sure that there is no allergic reaction or negative side consequences. The chances of having these reactions are very low however, the medical team needs to monitor you during this time period and respond swiftly when you experience an allergic reaction.
You’ll be allowed to go home when the medical team has assessed you after the infusion.
Even if you feel better, it’s important to realize that you might be a carrier for a time. Therefore, you’ll need to keep yourself in a safe place (be entirely alone) until these circumstances occur:
- At the very least, 5 calendar days passed after you first signs of COVID-19.
- There has not been any fever in the last 24 hours, and you have not taken any medication to reduce the severity of fever.
- Other symptoms of COVID-19 are getting better.
Important Be sure to follow your physician’s instructions. Based on your health history, you could be required to treat other requirements. If you begin feeling worse and you feel uncomfortable, don’t delay seeking medical attention.
Do Monoclonal Antibody Treatment Make Me sick?
Antibody treatments don’t contain any live virus. Therefore, there is no chance that of contracting COVID-19 as a result of mAb treatments. However, the treatment with antibodies could cause side effects.
- Allergic reactions can occur in the course of and following an infusion of antibodies. Inform your doctor immediately if you notice one of these signs or indications that indicate an allergic reaction nausea, chills, fever and anxiety, shortness of breath lower or elevated blood pressure or a slow or rapid heart rate and chest pain or discomfort or fatigue or confusion, tiredness or wheezing, swelling of your face, lips or neck, itching that includes itching, hives, muscle discomfort, faintness dizziness, sweating, and fainting.
- A medicine infusion could cause minor bleeding, pain, swelling on the face, soreness swelling, and even infection at the site of the infusion.
This is not the only list of possible side effects associated with the treatment of antibodies. In the event of unexpected and severe side effects, they could occur. The most likely risks associated with antibody treatment include:
- It could hinder the body’s ability to fight against a possible infection caused by COVID-19.
- It can lower your body’s immune reaction to COVID-19 vaccinations.
The COVID-19 mAb treatments along with other therapies approved for use in emergency situations through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is still being researched. It is therefore possible that we don’t fully understand the risks. As scientists continue to study COVID-19 and the effects of mAb treatments on it, we will discover more about the risks that could be involved. If you have questions you have, talk to your doctor.
